February 24, 2011

Hocutt to Tech may be imminent

University of Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt will be announced "sooner or later" as the successor to retiring Texas Tech AD Gerald Myers, a source with knowledge of the situation said Thursday afternoon.

His hiring would be a coup for Tech as college athletics faces an ever-changing landscape.

The 38-year-old Sherman native has held his post at UM since February of 2008. He is regarded as a rising star among the new breed of adminstrators who as a former Kansas State linebacker understands coaching, yet is able to communicate with people without being abrasive.

"love him, one of my favorites," a former associate said about him.

Prior to the UM post, Hocutt was the AD at Ohio University for three years. He also served as Oklahoma associate AD for external operations and sports administration. He is also regarded as strong on academics, brand marketing, facilities and fund-raising.

Hocutt's career in administration began as assistant director of marketing and promotions at K-State and served as NCAA coordinator of licensing before moving to Oklahoma.

The Miami Herald posted a story Thursday afternoon in which two sources said Hocutt had been in Texas for the past two days and that UM would make a concerted effort to keep him. Financial problems at Miami, however, may make Tech's a more attractive job in addition to bringing Hocutt back to his native state.--Mike Jones.